Connor Hellebuyck`s Vezina and Hart Trophy-winning performance in 2024-25 marked a return to a bygone era. While modern hockey often relies on goalie tandems, Hellebuyck and a few other elite netminders demonstrate that the classic “No. 1” goaltender is still very much alive, though its definition may be evolving.
Examining data from the past 16 seasons—eight before and eight after the Vegas expansion—reveals a significant shift. From 2009-10 to 2016-17, top-12 fantasy goalies averaged a 74.1% crease share, 35.2 wins, and 215.7 fantasy points. During this period, 25% of teams had a goaltender with a 75% or higher crease share, and 54.2% had at least 65%.
However, from 2017-18 to 2024-25, the average crease share for a top-12 fantasy goalie dropped to 65.0%, with averages of 32.6 wins and 181.2 fantasy points. In this more recent period, only 7.9% of teams featured a goalie with 75% or more crease share, and just 33.3% had at least 65%.
(Note: The 2012-13, 2019-20, and 2020-21 seasons have been prorated to 82 games for consistency.)
The post-expansion era has seen goalies spend considerably less time in the net. In 2024-25, only two goalies, Connor Hellebuyck and Andrei Vasilevskiy, exceeded a 75% crease share, collectively accounting for 11 of the 20 such campaigns in recent history. They represent a clear concentration of elite workload, with only Juuse Saros and Carey Price achieving this feat twice otherwise.
Prior to expansion (2009-10 to 2016-17), 17 goalies recorded multiple seasons with at least 75% crease share, alongside 11 others who did it once. High workloads were common then, not concentrated among a few.
However, by slightly lowering the benchmark for a “No. 1” goalie to 65% crease share, we observe an increase in single-goaltender usage. Last season, 15 goalies took at least 65% of their team`s crease, up from just eight in 2023-24.
Therefore, 65.0% serves as a reasonable threshold for a top-12 fantasy goalie`s crease share since 2017-18. This is an excellent target for “set-and-forget” goalies, particularly in leagues with weekly lineup adjustments where swapping backups isn`t always possible.
- Established No. 1 Goaltenders (65%+ Crease Share)
- Anticipated No. 1 Workloads (Approaching 65%+ Crease Share)
- Buffalo Sabres
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- Detroit Red Wings
- Edmonton Oilers
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- San Jose Sharks
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Vancouver Canucks
- Vegas Golden Knights
- Washington Capitals
Established No. 1 Goaltenders (65%+ Crease Share)
| Goalie | Team | Crease Share | FPTS | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connor Hellebuyck | Winnipeg Jets | 76.0% | 273.2 | 32.3 |
| Jake Oettinger | Dallas Stars | 69.4% | 153.0 | 26.8 |
| Ilya Sorokin | New York Islanders | 71.2% | 129.2 | 30.1 |
| Igor Shesterkin | New York Rangers | 71.7% | 112.6 | 29.7 |
| Sergei Bobrovsky | Florida Panthers | 65.0% | 138.2 | 37.0 |
| Andrei Vasilevskiy | Tampa Bay Lightning | 76.2% | 219.0 | 31.2 |
| Mackenzie Blackwood | Colorado Avalanche | 70.9% | 108.0 | 28.8 |
| Juuse Saros | Nashville Predators | 68.7% | 49.6 | 30.4 |
| Joey Daccord | Seattle Kraken | 67.8% | 106.8 | 29.1 |
| Filip Gustavsson | Minnesota Wild | 69.4% | 162.2 | 27.3 |
| Sam Montembeault | Montreal Canadiens | 71.7% | 113.4 | 28.9 |
| Jordan Binnington | St. Louis Blues | 65.9% | 97.6 | 32.2 |
| Karel Vejmelka | Utah Mammoth | 68.0% | 97.0 | 29.3 |
| Jeremy Swayman | Boston Bruins | 68.9% | 47.0 | 26.8 |
| Spencer Knight | Chicago Blackhawks | 67.9% | 6.2 | 24.4 |
These 15 goaltenders consistently secured at least 65% of their team`s starts. Blackwood and Knight, while not achieving this percentage for the entire season, did so during their tenure with their respective new teams.
Additional goalies are also likely to take on No. 1 workloads this season. Injuries or the presence of veteran goalies previously prevented five other netminders from reaching the 65% threshold last season, but they are anticipated to secure a primary role with no tandem in sight for the upcoming campaign.
Anticipated No. 1 Workloads (Approaching 65%+ Crease Share)
| Goalie | Team | Crease Share | FPTS | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lukas Dostal | Anaheim Ducks | 61.9% | 79.4 | 25.2 |
| Jacob Markstrom | New Jersey Devils | 59.2% | 97.6 | 35.6 |
| Linus Ullmark | Ottawa Senators | 50.4% | 115.0 | 32.1 |
| Darcy Kuemper | Los Angeles Kings | 60.4% | 179.6 | 35.4 |
| Dustin Wolf | Calgary Flames | 64.1% | 134.8 | 24.4 |
It`s crucial to continue monitoring goalie tandems for the upcoming season for several reasons. Firstly, a high workload doesn`t guarantee fantasy success, as demonstrated by Saros and the Predators last season. Secondly, tandems can offer significant value, particularly in daily lineup leagues, due to their lower acquisition cost in drafts compared to full-time starters. Thirdly, a tandem situation isn`t always permanent; young goaltenders, especially those new to the NHL, can transition from a time-share into dominant fantasy assets.
Below, we examine the 12 NHL teams that currently do not project a single goaltender to achieve 54 or more starts (65% crease share) for the upcoming season, presented alphabetically.
Buffalo Sabres
2024-25 Season Performance:
- Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen: 64.8% crease share, 33.2 fantasy points (26.5 years old)
- James Reimer: 33.9% crease share, 32.6 fantasy points (37.5 years old)
- Devon Levi: 9.8% crease share, -13.0 fantasy points (23.7 years old)
2025-26 Roster Outlook:
- Alexandar Georgiev: 54.79% crease share (with COL, SJS), -35.4 fantasy points (29.6 years old)
- Devon Levi
- Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
- Alex Lyon: 31.66% crease share (with DET), 40.2 fantasy points (32.8 years old)
It`s plausible that all four goaltenders might see playing time this season, but Luukkonen appears to have the most upside. Ultimately, unless the Sabres significantly outperform expectations, their goaltending situation may offer limited fantasy value, as even their primary starter struggled to crack 30 fantasy points last year.
Carolina Hurricanes
2024-25 Season Performance:
- Pyotr Kochetkov: 57.0% crease share, 84.8 fantasy points (26.2 years old)
- Frederik Andersen: 27.0% crease share, 44.0 fantasy points (36.0 years old)
- Spencer Martin: 8.5% crease share, -8.4 fantasy points (30.3 years old)
- Dustin Tokarski: 7.3% crease share, 16.8 fantasy points (36.0 years old)
- Yaniv Perets: 0.2% crease share, -0.8 fantasy points (25.6 years old)
2025-26 Roster Outlook:
- Frederik Andersen
- Pyotr Kochetkov
- Cayden Primeau: 10.62% crease share (with MTL), -31.2 fantasy points (26.1 years old)
Andersen and Kochetkov are likely to share time, with Kochetkov having earned increased trust. While a full changing of the guard might occur if the Canes weren`t in their competitive window, their current status means we`ll still see plenty of the reliable Andersen. This tandem could be a rare exception worth drafting both goalies, as both are expected to deliver fantasy value.
Columbus Blue Jackets
2024-25 Season Performance:
- Elvis Merzlikins: 64.3% crease share, 53.6 fantasy points (31.4 years old)
- Daniil Tarasov: 22.3% crease share, -1.0 fantasy points (26.5 years old)
- Jet Greaves: 13.4% crease share, 57.4 fantasy points (24.5 years old)
2025-26 Roster Outlook:
- Ivan Fedotov: 28.97% crease share (with PHI), -12.0 fantasy points (28.8 years old)
- Jet Greaves
- Elvis Merzlikins
The addition of Fedotov introduces more competition, but Greaves` impressive numbers in just 11 appearances last season give him the most momentum heading into 2025-26. If the Blue Jackets improve as anticipated, the emerging goalie from this group could be a sleeper. However, any significant split in starts will cap the non-streaming fantasy utility of all goalies involved. Greaves is worth stashing in keeper leagues if he and the team continue their upward trajectory.
Detroit Red Wings
2024-25 Season Performance:
- Cam Talbot: 53.6% crease share, 70.4 fantasy points (38.2 years old)
- Alex Lyon: 31.7% crease share, 40.2 fantasy points (32.8 years old)
- Petr Mrazek: 25.0% crease share, 9.4 fantasy points (33.6 years old)
- Ville Husso: 12.6% crease share, -13.0 fantasy points (30.6 years old)
- Sebastian Cossa: 0.9% crease share, 2.4 fantasy points (22.8 years old)
2025-26 Roster Outlook:
- Sebastian Cossa
- John Gibson: 31.62% crease share (with ANA), 50.0 fantasy points (32.2 years old)
- Cam Talbot
Ideally, this wouldn`t be a tandem situation, as Gibson is expected to be a clear No. 1 at this stage of his career. However, years of struggling with the Ducks raise questions about whether his overall performance has declined or if he simply needs a change of scenery. Consider Darcy Kuemper`s turnaround last season after being overlooked; Gibson could similarly rekindle his magic and become a top fantasy asset. He`s a solid draft investment if you`re patient.
Edmonton Oilers
2024-25 Season Performance:
- Stuart Skinner: 60.0% crease share, 78.0 fantasy points (26.9 years old)
- Calvin Pickard: 38.4% crease share, 71.6 fantasy points (33.4 years old)
- Olivier Rodrigue: 1.6% crease share, -3.0 fantasy points (25.2 years old)
2025-26 Roster Outlook:
- Calvin Pickard
- Stuart Skinner
Is this truly a tandem? For the Oilers, they`d prefer it wasn`t. But Skinner`s inconsistent play has repeatedly created opportunities for Pickard to earn starts. Despite being on a team projected for 50+ wins and Skinner being the clear 1A, it`s difficult to fully trust his recent results. Remember, both goalies won the same number of playoff games last summer. Skinner will be given the chance to seize the primary role, but he shouldn`t be drafted as a guaranteed workhorse.
Philadelphia Flyers
2024-25 Season Performance:
- Samuel Ersson: 52.8% crease share, 32.6 fantasy points (25.9 years old)
- Ivan Fedotov: 29.0% crease share, -12.0 fantasy points (28.8 years old)
- Aleksei Kolosov: 18.3% crease share, -16.6 fantasy points (23.7 years old)
2025-26 Roster Outlook:
- Samuel Ersson
- Aleksei Kolosov
- Dan Vladar: 35.88% crease share (with CGY), 39.4 fantasy points (28.1 years old)
There isn`t much to expect here in terms of fantasy-relevant goaltending for the Flyers. The situation remains murky.
Pittsburgh Penguins
2024-25 Season Performance:
- Tristan Jarry: 40.9% crease share, 39.4 fantasy points (30.4 years old)
- Alex Nedeljkovic: 43.5% crease share, 28.8 fantasy points (29.7 years old)
- Joel Blomqvist: 15.6% crease share, -5.8 fantasy points (23.7 years old)
2025-26 Roster Outlook:
- Joel Blomqvist
- Tristan Jarry
- Arturs Silovs: 10.96% crease share (with VAN), -15.8 fantasy points (24.5 years old)
Blomqvist showed potential early last season, Jarry finished strong, and Silovs is a wildcard. The Penguins are likely to be in the draft lottery rather than competing for many wins, which will limit fantasy production from their net. However, with Sidney Crosby still leading, there`s a slim chance the Penguins could find a rhythm, and one of these three goalies could benefit.
San Jose Sharks
2024-25 Season Performance:
- Alexandar Georgiev: 56.8% crease share, -35.2 fantasy points (29.6 years old)
- Mackenzie Blackwood: 54.1% crease share, 29.4 fantasy points (28.8 years old)
- Vitek Vanecek: 26.2% crease share, -17.0 fantasy points (29.7 years old)
- Yaroslav Askarov: 14.6% crease share, 8.0 fantasy points (23.3 years old)
- Georgi Romanov: 8.5% crease share, -15.6 fantasy points (25.8 years old)
2025-26 Roster Outlook:
- Yaroslav Askarov
- Alex Nedeljkovic: 43.51% crease share (with PIT), 28.8 fantasy points (29.7 years old)
- Jakub Skarek: 1.55% crease share (with NYI), -3.2 fantasy points (25.9 years old)
Within the next few seasons, the Sharks are poised to become contenders, which bodes well for Askarov`s development into a full-time starter. With Nedeljkovic likely forming a tandem this season, Askarov is still a season or two away from primary status. However, keep a close eye on San Jose if they start to improve, and Askarov should be stashed in keeper leagues.
Toronto Maple Leafs
2024-25 Season Performance:
- Anthony Stolarz: 40.5% crease share, 133.6 fantasy points (31.7 years old)
- Joseph Woll: 49.8% crease share, 110.6 fantasy points (27.2 years old)
- Matt Murray (TOR): 2.4% crease share, 0.2 fantasy points (31.3 years old)
- Dennis Hildeby: 7.3% crease share, -0.6 fantasy points (24.1 years old)
2025-26 Roster Outlook:
- Dennis Hildeby
- Anthony Stolarz
- Joseph Woll
The Maple Leafs provide a prime example of a successful tandem, with both Stolarz and Woll exceeding 100 fantasy points last season despite neither reaching 50% crease share. They finished 11th and 16th in fantasy points from goalies. With coach Craig Berube`s emphasis on defensive play, the Leafs return with an equally strong defensive system. Early ADP trends favor Stolarz (82.3 vs. 207.9), making Woll a more appealing target in drafts.
Vancouver Canucks
2024-25 Season Performance:
- Arturs Silovs: 11.0% crease share, -15.8 fantasy points (24.5 years old)
- Kevin Lankinen: 61.0% crease share, 100.0 fantasy points (30.4 years old)
- Thatcher Demko: 26.3% crease share, 21.2 fantasy points (29.8 years old)
- Nikita Tolopilo: 1.7% crease share, 2.2 fantasy points (25.5 years old)
2025-26 Roster Outlook:
- Thatcher Demko
- Kevin Lankinen
- Nikita Tolopilo
Demko`s team-friendly deal extends this season, but his salary increases next year, committing the Canucks to $13 million for the Demko-Lankinen duo through at least 2028-29. Lankinen was a valuable fantasy pickup during Demko`s injury last season, although both struggled towards the end. Demko possesses top-tier fantasy potential with a heavy workload, but Lankinen`s emergence will likely limit him to around 45 starts if both remain healthy. Demko is a solid mid-round pick, and considering Lankinen as insurance in the later rounds is a wise strategy.
Vegas Golden Knights
2024-25 Season Performance:
- Adin Hill: 59.7% crease share, 137.2 fantasy points (29.4 years old)
- Ilya Samsonov: 35.5% crease share, 43.8 fantasy points (28.6 years old)
- Akira Schmid: 4.8% crease share, 16.0 fantasy points (25.4 years old)
2025-26 Roster Outlook:
- Adin Hill
- Akira Schmid
At 29, Adin Hill is in his prime for a goaltender (the average age for a top-12 fantasy goalie is 29). His 59.7% crease share last season was a career high, and with only Schmid as his backup, his stamina will be tested this season. There`s a strong argument for including Hill among the primary starters mentioned earlier. His ADP as the eighth goalie drafted is well-deserved, and a true tandem situation seems improbable in Vegas this season.
Washington Capitals
2024-25 Season Performance:
- Charlie Lindgren: 46.3% crease share, 54.8 fantasy points (31.8 years old)
- Logan Thompson: 51.3% crease share, 139.4 fantasy points (28.6 years old)
- Hunter Shepard: 1.2% crease share, -10.2 fantasy points (29.9 years old)
- Clay Stevenson: 1.2% crease share, -3.4 fantasy points (26.6 years old)
2025-26 Roster Outlook:
- Charlie Lindgren
- Logan Thompson
While last season featured an almost 50-50 split, Thompson emerged as the superior goaltender. He will likely earn a larger share of starts this season, though it might not be enough to reach the fantasy elite at his position. The question also remains whether the Capitals can replicate their surprising success from the previous campaign. Nevertheless, Thompson`s ADP as the No. 13 goalie offers good value, and Lindgren is worth considering as an insurance pick.
